Snakes in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has roughly 18 native snake species, and only 2 of them are venomous. That means nearly every snake you encounter in the Bay State is harmless and no threat to people. The state's cooler New England climate keeps overall snake numbers modest, and the species you are most likely to see in a backyard, park, or trail are non-venomous animals that will quickly retreat from a person.

Snake diversity in Massachusetts is shaped by a patchwork of habitats and a relatively short, cool warm season. Hardwood forests, rocky hillsides in the central and western parts of the state, river valleys like the Connecticut River corridor, and coastal marshes and wetlands all support different snakes. The cooler northern climate of New England limits how many species can thrive, so snakes cluster around sunny rock ledges, old stone walls, and warm field edges where they can bask.

The 2 venomous species recorded in Massachusetts are the Eastern Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake. Both are extremely rare and tightly protected, surviving only in a few isolated rocky, forested locations. The copperhead favors wooded, rocky hillsides, while the timber rattlesnake holds on at a handful of remote ridge dens. Encounters with either are exceptional, and both species avoid people whenever they can.

Far more common are harmless snakes: the common garter snake in yards and gardens, the eastern ratsnake (black rat snake) in woods and old buildings, the eastern milk snake around stone walls and cellars, the northern watersnake along ponds and rivers (often mistaken for a copperhead or cottonmouth), DeKay's brownsnake in towns, and the ring-necked snake under logs and rocks. Snakebites are very rare in Massachusetts and nearly always come from handling a snake. Never assume a wild snake is safe to handle. If a bite occurs, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911.